New public library in Pike County

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - Officials say there is no denying Pike County is growing, all you have to do is look at all the new buildings popping up, like the one in between Lowe's and Tractor Supply in Pikeville.

Officials say this new building is key for the progress to continue. Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford explains, "Knowledge and education is the key to anything...for a workforce, for jobs. This is something that is needed."

Pike County librarians say they are thrilled with their new location in the busy shopping center. "The Kentucky Department of Library and Archives always told us as long as you can see the golden arches of McDonald's you will have successful library."

As Pikeville has grown so has the demand for programming, meeting spaces, and computer access. Atkins explains, "We find that so many people don't have computers in the community, they are looking for a place to run in and check email, fill out a job application."

Library officials say they have simply outgrown their location here on College Street in Pikeville, but they do plan to keep the downtown branch open. "We plan on keeping this location open. We get a lot of traffic from the housing projects, the attorneys, all the businessmen into the area..so we will keep this one open. It is just most of our programming will take place down at the other one where there is more space."

The new library is a ten million dollar project made possible by a buidling fund set up years ago by the library board and from Build America Bonds.

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